Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki ranked 16th best player in NBA by Sports Illustrated

Is Dallas Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki still an
elite NBA player?

That’s been a question debated often this offseason. In Sports Illustrated’s top 100 player rankings, Nowitzki
checked in at No. 16 overall, right behind Miami’s Chris Bosh.

“In coming off his worst statistical season since 2000, Nowitzki
is sure to have his doubters — particularly among those who didn’t keep a close
eye on his year-long progress,” Rob Mahoney wrote. “But most every micro-level
indicator available suggests that this is still the same old doggedly efficient
Dirk.

“His overall numbers don’t reflect that,
having been shaded by Nowitzki’s slow return from the first knee surgery of his
career. But by February the longtime Maverick was more or less in full form,
averaging 21.1 points (on 50-40-90 shooting percentages), 8.6 rebounds, 2.7
assists and just 1.6 turnovers per 36 minutes after the All-Star break. Those
marks all compare pretty favorably with Nowitzki’s career numbers, an amazing
feat, given the quality of his teammates.”

But what about his defense?

“The concerns about his defense, though, are
perfectly valid, considering that lateral movement will likely be the first
part of his game to significantly decline with age,” he wrote. “Nowitzki was
merely a serviceable defender at his peak, and if he loses even a fraction of a
step because of age or injury, he might soon become a more uncomfortable
defensive element. Otherwise, he’s survivable — not so effective as to be
helpful on a consistent basis, but good enough to play a role on a good
defensive team.”

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